Blueberry Basil Cocktail

The whole idea for this beverage started when I was standing over my two basil plants. I hovered over them in awe at how well they are growing this summer. It seemed like every time I clip, the bushier they grow.

I couldn’t fathom the idea of making anymore pesto. So I clipped a few stems, opened my well-stocked liquor cabinet and decided to try something new. In the end, I discovered a light and refreshing beverage with a wonderful blend of fresh herb flavor. The blueberries add the perfect touch of sweetness.

Add basil, mint, sugar and lime juice to a cocktail shaker. Smash the ingredients together with a wooden spoon to release the herb oils. This is also known as muddling. Add the blueberries and continue to muddle until mixture becomes a dark pink tone. Add the vodka and fill the shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into an ice-filled glass. Top the glass with club soda and give the beverage a quick stir. Garnish is a skewered blueberries, basil and mint. Makes one beverage. Can be scaled for additional servings.